Tim Payne

Tim Payne arrived at Olimpia in July 2026 from Wellington Phoenix, a move that closed out seven years in New Zealand's top flight.

He broke through at Auckland City before a spell at Waitakere United, then signed for Blackburn Rovers in 2012 — a move that never produced a single competitive appearance because of work permit issues, and he was released in 2014. It sent him back across the world: a return to Auckland City brought a run to the 2014 FIFA Club World Cup, where the side finished third, before a stint in the United States with Portland Timbers 2 and then Eastern Suburbs in New Zealand. He played at Wellington Phoenix from 2019, where he made 143 league appearances.

For the national team, Payne has become a fixture, with 55 caps and three goals. He was part of the squad that won the OFC Nations Cup in 2024, having finished third in the competition back in 2012, and he featured in the New Zealand side that beat Chile in the 2026 FIFA Series — the country's first-ever win over South American opposition. His individual recognition has followed a strong 2023–24 season in Australia, with selection to the PFA A-League Team of the Season and a place among the A-Leagues All Stars in 2024.